Activities in and about Sibaya 

Both children and parents will enjoy the Umgeni Bird park- the only open-air bird show in Africa. Kids will enjoy watching the chicks hatch in the baby room. This is followed by a short visit to the Mitchell Park Zoo, host to a small selection of birds and other animals. We end the day with a picnic at the Botanical Gardens. We offer a specially prepared kiddies-friendly picnic basket, and will provide some old bread to feed the ducks. Relax under the trees before returning to the Lodge.

Hugging a bunny, feeding the chickens or riding the pony are just a few things that kids can do on this rustic animal farm, nestled in the sugar cane hills of the North Coast. All animals are hand raised, so they are use to being patted and hugged. Relax in the tea garden, while a peacock begs for a crumb of your delicious scone and cream!

Visit a variety of flea markets to experience a taste of local talents and rare finds. Various markets operate on either a Saturday or Sunday morning. Speak to the concierge for more details.

Durban has the biggest population of Indian inhabitants outside of India in the world. Learn more about their rich culture and how they influenced the history of this area. Tour includes a visit to five prominent temples, representing the different religions, as well as the Ghandi settlement.

Durban is a true representation of the Rainbow Nation. The tour starts on the world famous Golden Mile, followed by the historical Victoria Embankment. The next stop is the Victoria Street market, after which we work our way through the inner city.

Unique city tour with a difference. Tour the Golden mile, the Point, the Harbour and the Esplanade on high quality mountain bikes. Accompanied by an adventure guide.

A combination of Indian, Zulu and Colonial culture. Saunter around the museum, curio shops and attend a Zulu cultural show.

Most certainly the best cultural show in the province! Experience the sight of assegai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangoma & witness traditional customs, such as tribal dancing, spear making & the beer-drinking ceremony. Enjoy a buffet lunch, before returning to Zimbali Lodge.

Enjoy a scenic flight over the Dolphin Coast and Zululand on the way to one of the provinces top Game farms. A traditional English breakfast awaits you before starting a guided game drive, which is only interrupted for a picnic lunch and refreshments.

This is one of the oldest Game Parks in the world and the only park in KwaZulu Natal that hosts the Big Five. We treat you to a guided game drive through this pristine bush veldt followed by lunch at the Hilltop Restaurant.

Founded in the 1980s, this farm nestled in the hills of KwaZulu Natal, hosts over 7000 crocodiles. Enjoy an exciting, educating, guided tour. Don’t miss the baby crocs hatching from December to March; have your photo taken sitting on Girlie, the Alligator back, or holding the 6ft python.

The best way to see wild animals is in their natural habitat, and this trip is no different. Exhilarating from the word go as we launch through the surf for an hour long pursuit of these gentle creatures.

A must-see for sea lovers! Enjoy a two-hour boat trip learning more about the only shark nets in the world, combined with Dolphin viewing and followed by a very educational show at the world renowned Sharks Board, including a shark dissection.

Sani Pass is another one of South Africa’s World Heritage sites - the 3rd highest mountain pass in the world, You will find the highest pub in Africa at the end of your slow winding journey to the top. Your tour includes a visit to a Basuthu Village, where you can see how these ‘Blanket People’ live. Always take something warm!

Aliwal Shoal has been rated one of the ten best diving spots in the world. The reef is 5 km of shore, which makes conditions for excellent visibility very good and water temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees. Wreck diving is available upon request and all equipment can be hired on site.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean combined with the world-renown waves of the East Coast is just what you need to make those childhood dreams come true, even if it is just for one day! Our expert coach will guide you into the wonderful world of surfing! 90% of his students stand on the first day!

Fly back in time, to a spellbinding period and place in time. Accompanied by an accomplished storyteller, historian, researcher and battlefields guide, we relive all the drama that took place at Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. OR Drive through the scenic interior of Zululand to relive two of the most famous battles in both South Africa and England’s history. Isandlwana, where 17 000 men were killed in one day, and Rorke’s Drift and where the most Victorian Crosses were ever awarded.

Situated in the mist belt of KwaZulu Natal, it is one of the province’s best-known landmarks. We spoil you with a sunset bush-drive down the Valley to visit a contemporary Zulu Village and meet some of the locals. Your guide will point out various antelope and plant species. Remember to take something warm in Winter!

Former President, Nelson Mandela, said this must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (rhino) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (whale). Don’t miss our famous World Heritage Site!

Soar over the Dolphin Coast in an ultra light aircraft. Dolphins, sharks, rays and other sea creatures are often spotted as you fly low over the Indian Ocean.

Wondering what to do on a rainy day? Get dirty! This outride takes you across the signature sugarcane hills of the North Coast as you drive through muddy patches and over dusty hills. No experience needed.

Enjoy the wonders of the Ocean in a superb aquarium, the 5th biggest in the world. Some of their other records include the biggest shark collection ever and fish from the warm Indian Ocean never seen in an aquarium before. The dolphin and seal show will keep you spellbound, snorkel the lagoon or touch a sea cumber in the touch pool. Float down the Duzi Adventure River or dive with the sharks.

Situated in the tranquil Natal Midlands, Canopy Tours offer an unequalled experience gliding along steel cables between eight canopy level platforms built high within an the indigenous forest. Abseil along a waterfall after a light lunch.

Tired of doing the same old thing? Do a self-drive in a dune buggy (lead by a guide) through the St Lucia Wetlands. You will drive up the Umfolozi River bank to the beach where you will enjoy a picnic lunch and be able to snorkel if you wish.

A wonderful sociable way of learning a new skill! Khun Rod’s passion for Thailand is obvious as he guides you step-by-step through the art of Thai cooking. The afternoon ends with enjoying the feast you have prepared and you go home with a “goodie-bag” containing a few secret ingredients and a special Mythai apron. (Bookings to be made at lease 1 week in advance).

Visit our provinces top artists in their studios. We tailor-make the tour to suit your specific interest, whether its wildlife, traditional, modern or curio orientated. We suggest stopping for lunch at the Bat Centre. This complex was established to give previously disadvantaged artist in all fields a place to work from.

Explore the history of South Africa through the eyes of Black South Africans. Sites visited include The Gandhi Settlement, John Dube’s House and the Shembe village, which all form part of “The Struggle”.

The King Shaka Route, conceived as a dynamic mix of cultural heritage experiences, has been developed within an area already famous for its attractions. An experienced guide will take you along the footsteps of the King Shaka to relive the history of the man who is known as the best warrior ever to have lived.

Visit South Africa’s first and only Aerial Boardwalk- within the enchanting Dlinza Forest. Experience the unique forest and its rich bird life from a completely different angle as your trained guide points out some of the 65 species that inhabit this area.

Exit the plane from 9500 ft, attached to an instructor. Freefall for +/- 35 seconds at 220 km/h and, in an instant, be suspended under a parachute in total surreal silence. A cameraman films the whole experience and you have a choice between a video and photos.

Launch at first light in search of ‘the big one’ that hopefully won’t get away! All equipment, bait and tuition are provided on this luxury fishing boat. Trips are between 2 and 4 hours long, depending on availability and weather conditions.

For a list of all the shows currently on circuit, please contact the concierge. Choose between the romantic 1910 Playhouse Theatre, and the fresh approach Barnyard Supper Theatre and many more.

South Africa is well known for its diamonds and gold. Visit one of Durban’s best and trendiest designers in his unique jeweller-coffee shop. Ideal if you have a special anniversary or an engagement lurking in the future. Certificates are given with all purchases.

Get a birds-eye view of the Bay of Durban in this ½ hour flight. We start the journey at Virginia Airport from where we fly over the Golden Mile to the Harbour mouth, before turning back towards the Umhlanga Light House; which was build in a mere 4 days in the 1950s! Custom made destinations available upon request.

Cruise the enchanted waters of the Indian Ocean as you watch the sun set behind the Durban skyline. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Custom made package available for up to 150 guests.

Started many years ago as a voluntary collection of crafters, The Midland Meander has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts, world-class restaurants and homely comforts. It is the first route of its kind in the country and has opened up the wonders and beauty of the KwaZulu Natal interior to the visitors.

A range of hikes including bush, beach and berg hikes. Custom made to suit a specific interest or schedule.

Off the beaten track. The Hibuscus coast is a beautiful stretch of coast South of Durban. Visit Oribi Gorge Nature reserve or at an additional cost include a Bungi jump or Abseil.

Zimbali horse rides explore the coastal forest estate and the beach on well-trained horses. The expert horse-handler will ensure you have a memorable ride, no matter what your previous experience is.

The Zimbali Country Club's Golf Course is a par 72 championship course, designed by former South African PGA and British Open Champion, Tom Weiskopf. This course is both challenging and superbly beautiful, offering world-class standards for top players and higher handicap players alike.